WWE has released photos of the suggested designs for the WWE title which eventually were scrapped in favor of the current design which made its debut under The Rock and now us around the waist of John Cena.
From circled, to shield-type, square, with fire, chains, and even a pretty cool looking eagle one, the sketches and color rendering of these titles are mostly horrific and it does seem like WWE got it right when choosing the new title.
You can see the photos here.